Category Archives: The Garden Demystified

Slow Gardening

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There’s an upside to the brutal winter we’re experiencing. With the snow sitting heavy and the winds blowing the temperatures even lower, I am compelled to be measured with my to-do activities. This forced restraint has given me the luxury of time. Time to reflect. Time to observe. Time to consciously plan. We have become so used to fast-forward living that even in gardening the demand for haste and instant gratification has pervaded. I have all too often caught myself rushing through chores, getting impatient and wanting things to happen quickly. This, despite my resolve to be more present, patient. Like a majority of us, I keep losing my way on the true path to mindfulness.

This winter has firmly sat me down, removed all opportunity to make haste and instead, suggested that I take the opportunity to examine not just my gardening life but life in general. And so I have complied. I’ve been giving much thought to what I value and how I want to move forward in alignment with those values. To that end, I know definitively that I want to be fully present to the many opportunities that come my way. They aren’t necessarily new ones; they exist already. But what is required is my full attention with whatever project/task I undertake. No multi-tasking, no short cuts. I want to savor the process. It really is about taking in the scenery while moving towards the destination.

I remember an expression I came across in a book on Buddhist philosophy. I wish I could remember the title. But the line that has stayed with me is – ‘wash the dishes to wash the dishes’. What that meant was to be completely engaged with whatever one was doing. In this case, to pay mind to the temperature of the water, the smell of the detergent, the soap suds, to consider the food held by the dishes, the pleasure of eating the food, drying the freshly cleaned plates and pans and putting them away till the next time. The essence was that being present reveals the abundance of simple gifts that we are blessed with all the time. It allows one to live in a state of gratitude.

And so it goes for my time in the garden. To pay mind to all the sights, smells, sounds and feels in the garden. Appreciate the birdsong – it is not simply background music. With time, distinguish the different voices in the chorus. Take in the macro as well as the micro beauty with complete focus. Identify all the aromas that saturate the air. Familiarize oneself with the textures and tastes. Earth provides us so much all day, every day. I want to be here for it all. I don’t want to be on auto-pilot as I plant, weed, prune, water and accomplish all the myriad gardening jobs.

Because, at the end of the day, I need to know that I participated as a member of the natural world. Not as an outsider.

Note: What’s keeping me in bliss indoors –

The Biome
The Biome
Pussywillow
Pussywillow
More orchids
Orchids
Orchids
More orchids
Hyacinths
Hyacinths
Branches of quince

(c)2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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The Gardener’s Covenant

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Gardening is a privilege. Even a luxury if you will. It implies that one has the space, the time and, depending on the type of garden, the money. While gardening is essential to my well-being, it does not escape my mind that it is not true the other way. In truth, more often than not, nature is better off without human intervention. Therefore, the real honor of having, creating and tending a garden is the responsibility. It is the granting of the custodianship of a plot of land so it supports and nurtures plants and all the wildlife that mutually depend upon each other to grow and thrive. That is not an insignificant charge. A garden demands to be taken seriously.

By gardening, I am overseeing not just this habitat but the surrounding ecosystems as well. How I garden matters. My choices impact the health of the environment at large. The plants I select to grow must attract the correct pollinators because after all, that relationship has evolved over millennia. Those plants must take to not just my little plot but the geographical location of which it is a part. That means the weather, the climate, the soil are all critical for optimal growth. It is why we must choose plants native to where we live. The native insect pollinators will show up accordingly to do their jobs. And in this natural environment, all life will flourish. It’s that elementary.

The tools I use – gas, electric or manual mowers, do I blow leaves (again, electric or gas) or rake by hand, hand clippers or electric powered, it all matters. Air and noise pollution are important factors to consider – I do not want to increase either.

Similarly, I choose organic practices and products. I judiciously use water even whilst I collect rain water. Make compost, maintain very little lawn which is full of non-grass plants. All of which requires greater vigilance, in some cases more elbow grease as well but, the overall satisfaction of doing my part to the best of my ability is immeasurable. To view my garden teeming with life and beauty is well worth the effort for sure. And that is the highest privilege and reward of gardening.

A sacred covenant certainly.

Some images from the current Orchid Show at the NYBG. Do go for some horticultural fun and cheer – we certainly need that right now. The final photo shows the orchids that came home with me –

(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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February (Nothing?) Doing

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February (Nothing?) Doing

With about 2 feet of snow deposited on us last week, I can only assume the garden is in cozy slumber under it. It’s been so crazy cold that not a creature is stirring. Including myself. Except for trudging forth to the greenhouse to check on how the residents are getting on, there doesn’t seem like there’s much else to do. Or is there?

February’s To-Do List –

(Much of the items in the January list are applicable here. Do check that list) 

  1. Stay on top of effects of snow and storms. Take quick action.
  2. Keep bird feeders full. Whenever possible provide water.
  3. Get garden plans and designs ready.
  4. Check garden supplies. Does the hose need repair or replacing? Is there enough soil, organic fertilizer, twine, stakes etc.,? Make a list and do what is needed.
  5. Towards the end of the month (assuming the snow has melted sufficiently to allow access), prune roses, wisteria, grape vines and fruit trees.
  6. Cut back ivy on walls and fences before birds start nesting. Brightly colored stems of Salix and Cornus should be cut back to about 6 to 10 inches from ground. This will encourage brighter color next spring. Again, if there’s still too much snow on the ground to do this task this month, get to it as soon as you can.
  7. Prepare for seed sowing. Get seed flats clean and ready. Check if there’s enough seed growing medium.
  8. Order seeds. Once seeds arrive, write labels and clip to each pocket. This saves time later when there is so much else to do.
  9. If there is not much snow, cut back old leaves on Hellebores. New growth and flowers will be emerging. Cut back other perennials that were skipped in autumn.
  10. Attend to indoor plants.
  11. The New York Botanical Garden’s annual orchid show opens this month. Do reserve your tickets and go! It’ll banish winter blues and get you motivated.
  12. Renew ( or join) your membership to the Garden Conservancy. Place your order for the Open Days directory. Once you receive it you can start scheduling visits to beautiful gardens near and far. Inspiration is only a garden visit away!


A little trivia – Freezing rain and partial thaws create a thin layer of ice that fuses with soil, leaves, twigs and such to create a glassy coating that reflects and refracts in the sunlight. Resembling enameled jewelry, this icy marvel is called ‘ammil’– an Old English word for enamel. What a charming word,

(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Just January

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January carries the weight of our collective hopes, resolves and promises. We expect this month to set us up to be and do better. That’s a lot of pressure to put on it!

On my part, I’m planning on spend some time this month honestly examining my performance as a gardener this past year, what worked and what did not, and how I want to move forward this year. We expect so much from our gardens that it behooves us to regularly question our intentions and goals. As I’ve stated often, my abiding tenet is To do no harm. I am privileged to be the custodian of a tiny part of this precious and beautiful Earth and I take the responsibility very seriously. Particularly right now when we are confronting climate change and so many environmental crises.

Rest assured I will be sharing my thoughts and plans in the months ahead. I hope you too will return the favor. After all, we are in this together and together we can make powerful, positive things happen.

Lest one things there isn’t any other work to do this month, here is the list –

Things To Do In January

  1. Survey the garden after every storm or snowfall. If any damage such as broken branches or torn off protection has occurred, try to fix it as soon as possible. Likewise, large icicles hanging from roof edges pose a threat to plants below: shield the plants if the icicles cannot be removed.
  2. Take down holiday decorations. Before disposing off the Christmas tree, cut branches to spread as mulch on flower beds.
  3. Keep bird feeders full. Whenever possible, keep water available for the birds.
  4. Inspect stored tubers, corms and bulbs for signs of mold and rot. Get rid of any that don’t look healthy.
  5. This is a good time to examine the ‘bones’ of the garden. Make notes of what needs developing, changing or improving.
  6. Make icy paths safe by sprinkling sand or grit. Avoid salt and/or toxic de-icing products.
  7. If ground is wet/soggy, take care to protect the sodden areas by not walking on it too much. Better yet, protect it by putting down a temporary path of wood planks.
  8. Take an inventory of garden tools. Get them repaired, replaced or sharpened.
  9. Gather up seed and plant catalogs. Start planning for the coming season.
  10. Begin forcing the bulbs kept cool since late fall. Time to start an indoor spring!
  11. Keep an eye on indoor plants ( in the house or greenhouse). Inspect carefully for signs of pests or disease. Act right away if either is detected. Organic practices only please.
  12. Still on indoor plants: water as needed, rotate for uniform light exposure, fertilize every two to four weeks. Remove dead or yellowing leaves.
  13. Enjoy the respite offered by this cold month.

I’m traveling to India next week as I have to do the necessaries regarding my father’s personal effects and estate. I know it’ll be a time fraught with emotions and memories so I will not be posting anything till February. I so look forward to reconnecting with you.

Here are 12 images (in reverse order) from each month of 2025. 11 from my garden and 1 from vacation –

December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar

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December Digest

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Digest : a summation or condensation of a body of information – Merriam-Webster Dictionary

As we wind down the year and reflect on what we’ve learned and how we’ve performed, I offer this poem as a summary of what I’ve learned from the garden, the greatest classroom/workspace of life.

Masterclass In The Garden

Misty morning, heavy air

heat will rise from sun’s hard stare,

Take tools up, begin early

get work done, before moods turn surly.

Remove the weeds, the nasty thugs

check for disease from vicious bugs

Timely action creates breathing space

to grow and thrive in a state of grace.

Mix and match, create diversity

native plants for sustainability

Working together, righting wrong

It’s keeping balance and growing strong.

Climbing tendrils find their footing

reaching, stretching, pushing, pulling

Every journey needs some support

Footholds, hand-holds, gentle escort.

The circle of life holds the reins

Seed to flower and back to grain

Building homes, feeding family

a universal goal, not an anomaly

– Shobha Vanchiswar

Note: I’m not sharing any photos this week. Instead, I ask that you reflect on your own gardens and gardening year. What life lessons have you learned?

(c)2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Doing December

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December is fraught with mixed emotions as one looks back at the year that was and ahead to the one coming up. This month of festivities can be fun as well as frustrating. All of which can be exhausting if we don’t succumb to the pressure we put on ourselves and/or get from societal expectations. For myself, I have finally learned to keep it simple and stick to that which truly brings me joy. Joy of the season and those with whom I choose to share it. To everything and everyone else, I graciously and politely decline. No is a complete sentence.

To that end, I make the house cozy and inviting with flowers, candlelight, fireside comforts on the ready (warm throws, books, board games, puzzles), music and, all the makings for cold weather drinks and nibbles. Small gatherings, special (but simple) dinners, walks in the woods, theater tickets, the occasional binge watching of a streaming series, art gallery hopping, quiet hours spent reading or painting are the simple pleasures that make my December joyful.

And yes, there are some garden chores as well.

Things To Do In December

1. Hurry up and finish any pending plant protecting tasks! Ditto for statuary and other articles left outdoors.

2. Complete mulching all plants.

3. Drain out all outdoor water pipes. Store hoses properly.

4. Keep bird feeders filled.

5. Stay on top of watering plants in greenhouse and house. Be vigilant for signs of pests or disease.

6. Set aside seed and plant catalogs for making plans for next year’s growing seasons.

7. Archive garden photos taken through this year. They will come in handy when you plan and design for next year.

8. Enjoy paperwhites and amaryllis bulbs blooming indoors.

9. Make use of this down time and relax! Don’t let the Holiday Season wear you down.

Lets make it a month we deserve to have.

Happening now –

Daffodil Tazetta precooled for the requisite 2 weeks

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Winding Down

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With most of the major tasks done, it’s been all about the little stuff. Seemingly unimportant but quite necessary. Like the unsteady garden stand – divested of the seasonal pots, it looks totally fine and therefore, it’s very easy to forget how annoying it was through the entire summer to have it wobble each time I watered or deadheaded the plants on it. A simple straightening of the rear right leg has fixed the problem.

On that vein, I’ve replenished the supply of surgical gloves which are super useful when handling anything unsanitary (dead mouse anyone?) or yucky. I also like putting them on before wearing my regular garden gloves when a fresh manicure needs protection. A girl has to do stuff like that.

A touch of paint here, a dose of WD-40 there. Getting tools sharpened, restocking the twine, replacing lost stakes (where do they go?).You get the idea. It’s those details that truly help make things so much better/easier/efficient. I can’t speak for others but for myself, by taking care of them in this period of lull, the prospect of getting started in spring feels positively exciting.

One can dive straight into the business of gardening – prepared and determined.

Now, I’m off to gather up garden catalogs, garden magazines, folders (for those inspiring pages torn from aforementioned magazines), books on gardening, notebook, highlighter and pens into my trusty trug by the fireplace. Big dreams and noble visions await.

Some of my artworks that represent this moment-

Ready And Waiting

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Winter Ready?

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Whew! The slew of fall chores are mostly done. I say mostly because is one ever fully done working in the garden? At least the big stuff has been dealt with. Cut back, removal of debris and annuals, pruning, moving myriad plants to greenhouse, mulching, putting away vulnerable furniture and/or garden elements, fallen leaves management and then the biggest task of all in my garden – planting the huge number of bulbs (1300 to be precise).

A word on how I deal with my leaves. In the front garden, most of the leaves are raked and gathered from the tiny lawn and deposited on the compost pile in the woods. If left in place, they form a dense mat that literally smothers the grass to death.

Then, remaining leaves are blown on to the perennial beds in front as well as the vegetable-herb beds to provide winter protection.

Finally, in the ‘meadow’, the windfall from the surrounding trees are left in place.

One thing I never do is collect leaves in the stipulated large brown paper sacks for town pick-up.

The big pots are sitting pretty in their burlap over plastic wrappings – like brown paper packages tied up in string.

I’m exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. It’s lovely to look forward to some down time, prepare the home for winter months and more immediately, get ready for the holiday season. Thanksgiving is fast approaching!

To that point, paperwhites and amaryllis have been started – the former should start blooming by Thanksgiving and the latter in time for the December festivities. Window lights and candles have also been recommissioned – there’s no such thing as too much light in winter.

I’m enjoying the anticipation of the respite because I know myself well. By mid-January I will start poring through nursery catalogs, salivate over all the possibilities and get impatient to have my hands in the soil once more. Spring arrives early in my head.

On the ready for bulb planting
Bulb planting crew
Leaves removed from the lawn
Leaves in place

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Nuanced November

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November is definitely full of nuances. Within what appears to be Fall are the hints of Winter. The temperature that dips sharply at night, the light that shifts from bright to dim as though a faulty dial cannot stay fixed, the night that comes early and seems endless, the sounds of leaves being raked or blown being replaced by wood being chopped and, air swirling with aromas of decaying vegetation and wood smoke. It is a month fraught with subtle meanings. Even as we reluctantly bid adieu to warm weather pleasures, November takes us gently towards congenial gatherings around tables laden with comforting foods, cozy conversations by a blazing fireplace and invigorating walks in the woods. Everywhere one looks November reminds us of what is truly important. Connections – to nature, to family, to friends, to each other.

It’s the final push of garden chores before the December holiday season takes over.

Here’s the November To-Do list –

1. First and foremost, put away all Halloween decorations. Set up Thanksgiving display – gourds, pumpkins, ornamental kales and cabbages, chrysanthemums and asters.

2. Having cut back plants and cleared debris, mulch all plant beds.

3. Hurry up and finish all pending tasks from last month!

4. Finish planting spring flowering bulbs.

5. Protect pots to be left outdoors, vulnerable plants such as boxwood, certain roses, and garden statuary.

6. Fill bird feeders.

7. Be prepared for snow and ice. Keep snow shovels, grit or sand, firewood stocked and handy.

8. In case of power outage, have candles, flashlights, matches and batteries on the ready. A radio too – I have one that gets powered by manually cranking it up.

9. Finish dealing with fallen leaves. Leave in place, spread as mulch to protect garden beds, add to compost pile.

10. Clean and store tools. Get appropriate ones sharpened.

11. Start setting aside seed and plant catalogs. Soon you will be planning for next year!

12. As long as the weather is mild, keep on weed watch!

13. In the greenhouse, be sure the heater is doing its job. Ventilation is also important to keep plants healthy.

14. Start a routine for regular watering of plants indoors. Keep vigil for early signs of pests or disease.

15. Start forcing amaryllis and paperwhites for seasonal cheer. Similarly, put bulbs such as hyacinths, muscari , crocus and tulips in for cooling. (I use my refrigerator). In about fourteen to eighteen weeks, you can start forcing them and pretend it is spring!

16. Enjoy a beautiful Thanksgiving.

Images of Fall just outside my home –

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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Adios October

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Is it just me or has October whizzed by? Perhaps it’s because I’ve been overly busy. That’s what happens when one takes off for 3 weeks – you hit the road running on returning home.

It’s been a game pf playing catch up in all areas of my life. Work, home (the kitchen renovation is moving along but my goodness, it’s painfully slow), news both national and international ( I had chosen to leave my phone at home and judiciously avoided all news and social media– highly recommend!) and then, of course the garden.

Typically, I begin tackling fall chores in the garden around the time of the autumnal equinox. Since I only returned in the first week of October, I was a full 3 weeks behind. As any gardener knows that’s a lot. I got cracking right away. At first it didn’t feel too bad. I had it all worked out. Then we got alerted of a freeze watch. That put me into high gear in a tearing hurry. Myriad pots, mostly large and heavy with tender perennials/citrus/tropicals had to be trimmed, cleaned up and ‘power washed’ to remove pesky stowaways before being moved into the greenhouse which is rather inconveniently situated. Said heavy pots have to be brought from their sites around the property, treated to the secateurs and bath, moved down some stairs and then about a few yards further to reach the sanctuary of the greenhouse. Doing all of this back challenging work under a time pressure is not fun.

Since then, it’s been cutting back, removing debris, dealing with fallen leaves, putting away, more cutting back, cleaning up, countless trips hauling all the vegetation to the woods beyond where they will earn their keep by eventually turning into compost. Whew.

Amidst all this requisite work, I’ve also ripped up the checkerboard garden. This space has increasingly become more shady – the neighbor’s cedar has grown very tall. The creeping phlox has struggled to thrive and moss has slyly crept in everywhere. As has ajuga that opportunistically decided to joypusly leap from elsewhere and make itself at home where it does not belong. So out came all the vegetation. The soil then needed loosening and tilling. Looking at the ‘emptied’ checkerboard revealed that the slate squares needed straightening and aligning. All of this work took an entire Saturday. Nothing is ever simple!

New choice of plants will go in next week. I shall duly provide an update. Note: the creeping phlox was replanted elsewhere in the hope they will be much happier.

Fall is the time of year when I’m painfully (literally) reminded of the existence of certain parts of my body. Post fall cutback and clean up, doing simple things like bending, sitting down and then standing up has my entire lower body protesting vehemently and often. Ditto my upper arms. Am I not using my entire body properly and completely at other times of the year? How can this be!

This week I’m giving myself some recovery time by taking care of lighter work like wrapping the very large pots to keep them protected in place through the very cold months of winter.

With the great bulb planting weekend happening in November, I must necessarily be ready and able. Over a 1000 bulbs await.

Last rose of summer
Nasturtium still going strong
Checkerboard garden before
Meadow cut back
Front beds cut back and ready for bulbs

(c) 2025 Shobha Vanchiswar

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